Page 77 of Sweet Somethings

"Which you did. Just saying you might come across to some people like a creampuff, but you've got a lot of steel in your backbone."

"I'm trying to find a way to take that as a compliment."

"It is a compliment. You run a tight ship in the kitchen, and you should. You have high standards, and I respect that." He pulled up in front of her bakery and shut off the engine. "Like you, I don't believe in doing anything halfway."

"That's true. If you're going to go for something, you have to go all in. That's what my dad always said."

"Smart man." As he looked at her, he knew he wanted to go all in—with her. But how could he? His future was uncertain. And he'd just said he didn't believe in doing anything halfway. Starting something with her that he might not be able to finish…it seemed risky and potentially painful—for both of them.

"You're staring, Roman," she said softly.

"I don't know what to do about you."

"Do you have to do something?"

"I don't want to give you the wrong idea, Juliette."

"Which would be what? That you like me a little?"

"I like you a lot, but you know I'm probably going to leave. If I pass my physical to get reinstated, I could be gone quickly."

"I know you have decisions to make and a career you love. Everything you said is true. I'm staying and you're probably leaving. I'm building a business that takes a lot of energy and the last thing I need is a complicated social life. But…I really want to kiss you right now and worry about tomorrow—tomorrow."

Her soft confession stole the breath from his chest. "Then kiss me."

She leaned forward and he met her halfway, their lips touching off an immediate wave of heat. He couldn't remember the last time he'd made out in the cab of a truck—probably when he was a teenager, and he felt a little like a teenager now, driven by desire for a beautiful girl, who could easily upset all of his plans. But it was impossible to think with Juliette's sweet mouth under his.

They were good together. The chemistry was unmistakable, and he wanted to get her into bed. He wanted to take his time with her. No more hurried, rushed, good-night kisses. Just him and her, a soft mattress, a long night…

But there was always a morning. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Juliette.

And the last thing he wanted Juliette to do was to hurt him. They were treading into dangerous territory.

So he had to retreat.

He'd done it before in battle. If there was no immediate way to win, back up, fight again another day. That's what he'd do—in a minute…or two.

And then someone banged on the window.

They jolted apart.

He stared in disbelief at the woman knocking on Juliette's window. "You've got to be kidding me."

"It's Martha Grayson," Juliette muttered, as she opened the door. "Miss Grayson. Is something wrong?"

"I was just going to ask you that. He's not attacking you, is he?" Martha gave Roman a glaring look. "Are you all right?" she continued. "Should I call the police?"

"No, he's not attacking me. Everything is fine," Juliette said. "I don't know why you'd think it wasn't."

"It looked like you were struggling."

"I wasn't struggling," Juliette said. "I was kissing him."

"Well, that was a stupid idea. Are you getting out now? I just want to make sure you get safely inside."

Juliette flung him a questioning look. He shrugged. It was just as well they said good-night, and he doubted Martha was going to leave them alone together anyway. "I'll talk to you tomorrow. Thanks for coming tonight."

"You're welcome. I had fun."

"So did I," he said, as they exchanged an intimate look.

Juliette got out of the truck and closed the door. He started the engine and drove down the street, thinking that Juliette wasn't going to get away from Martha as fast as he was.

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